Every fashionista knows that saffiano leather is a natural material that serves as raw material for making bags, shoes, belts, wallets, clutches, suitcases, cases and many other accessories. Famous world designers and companies like to use it to create their collections. It is worth understanding what is so good about saffiano, whether it is genuine leather or artificial, what are its advantages, disadvantages, what it is, and how it is made.
Saffiano leather - what is it from history
Until the 18th century, morocco leather was used to make expensive shoes. The main material was goat skins, which were hand-tanned with the sumac plant (translated from Latin - "Rhus"). Then it was dyed with bright dyes based on natural components (mostly it was red, it was obtained from cochineal insects). The finishing stage was polishing the outer surface with whipped egg whites, linseed oil, and an aqueous dye solution based on wax. The last finishing stage made the leather reliable, moisture-resistant, resistant to rips and cracking.
For your information! The name "Safi" comes from the African word "Asfi" (meaning "river flood, its mouth"). The material is native to Africa.
The material was brought by ships from Africa to European countries. Due to the long delivery, dangerous by sea, its cost was high, so later Europe began to produce morocco leather itself, but sheepskin and cowskin were used as raw materials, which significantly reduced the cost of the dressing process.
In Russia, due to the high cost, such footwear was worn by the upper class, boyars, and noble gentlemen. Boots were considered a symbol of nobility and money.
In 1666, the first production of polyvinyl saffiano leather was opened in Russia, what it was even then was not fully understood. Book bindings were used as the basis for production at the opening. Later, shoe production was mastered.
Over time, morocco leather lost its popularity and was forgotten, as it was replaced by cheaper, easier to process materials.
Please note! The famous world designer M. Prada gave a new peak of popularity to this type of leather in 2012, when he was the first to release an original collection of bags.
Nowadays, stores sell clutches, wallets, cosmetic bags, suitcases, cases, belts, and shoes made of saffiano leather. Since it is used by famous design houses, the price of the products is high. The buyer has to pay not only for a quality item, but also for its brand. The more famous the company in the field of manufacturing things, the higher the cost of its products. And if the item is made in a single copy or to order, then the price increases tens of times.
Sheepskin and calfskin are used to make saffiano leather. It is hot stamped with a diagonal pattern (small rib). To avoid contamination, cracks, and tears, the material is treated with a component containing wax. It increases the service life of the material, which increases its resistance to mechanical impacts.
The final result depends on the quality of the raw material. To reduce the cost of the production process, the surface parts of the skin with defects are used, which are retouched by applying a pattern. For cheap material, polyurethane is used as a raw material.
Much depends on the quality of dyes for wax coating. Using completely synthetic dyes, non-natural wax, makes the production technology cheaper, thereby giving the morocco leather an unnatural look.
In its texture, saffiano leather, what it is, is discussed above, looks unusual. Its outer surface differs from the natural one, so many people think that it is artificial.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
- long service life without losing its quality, color, geometric dimensions;
- the material is resistant to mechanical damage (cracks, tears, abrasion, cuts, scuffs);
- withstands wet weather;
- the drawing does not erase;
- considered eternal;
- easy to clean, resistant to various types of contamination;
- original outer surface;
- the product retains its original shape for a long time;
- the shoes do not deform during wearing.
Important! The main disadvantage is that its texture resembles artificial leather.
Other disadvantages:
- Not everyone likes the appearance, it's an acquired taste;
- hardness to the touch;
- shoes made on the basis of saffiano are less breathable, practically "do not breathe". The foot is not comfortable in such shoes;
- high price. An expensive technological processing process, including the use of components based on natural materials, cannot be cheap;
- a large number of cheap fakes made using polyurethane and synthetic raw materials, which affects the properties of the products.
Saffiano leather products
Famous world brands include saffiano in their collectibles and love to work with it, as it gives uniqueness and originality to their creations due to the heterogeneity of its structure.
She is loved by Prado, Furla, Cerutti, Gucci, Dolce&Gabbana.
Lesser-known designer companies specializing in leather goods use it from time to time: Enquer, LongChamp, Tuscany.
Please note! Popular in Russia Fabi, Baldinini sometimes pamper their fans with morocco products.
It is profitable for manufacturers to use "saffiano leather" because, having bought such a thing once, the buyer will be captivated by its quality, durability, and will come back to the same store for the next similar product. Such information spreads quickly, attracting new customers. The price of a branded item is not low, but the quality speaks for itself. Durability, richness of colors, beauty of models make you forget about the money spent on purchasing the product.
Well-known companies producing “Saffiano” leather are Ilcea and Annonay.
Types of products made from "saffiano leather":
Bags
Bag models conquer with a variety of colors, styles, design. Fashionistas will be able to choose any option to their taste. Practicality, quality of the original material can only please.
Clutches, wallets
A clutch is an indispensable thing when creating a classic, formal look for parties, going to the theater. What could be better than a clutch made of genuine sheepskin with an original finish.
Wallets are a stylish addition to your wardrobe. It's so nice to take a morocco-style wallet out of your handbag or men's case, especially if it's an original item.
Cases, suitcases, travel bags
Such a thing will give status and originality to the owner. Their cost is high, but reliability and long service life justify the costs.
Shoes
Every fashionista dreams of having shoes from Prada. Chic models, recognizable style, comfortable lasts - all this is Prada. And if you complement them with a handbag, a wallet - the dream comes true. The whole world is at the feet of the owner.
Classic Belts
A belt made of genuine leather is a must-have item in a man's wardrobe. A belt that does not stretch, is not subject to cracking, and retains a bright color even after several years of constant wear indicates the quality of the product and compliance with the technological process during production.
Designers love to create unique products from saffiano leather. The most expensive ones are made from hand-tanned goat skin using natural components in the manufacturing process (saffiano leather), so that it is famous for its uniqueness, durability, and convenience.
In the end, what is saffiano leather? It is a branded item that can make its owner happy, since a bright image from a famous designer can work wonders on an ordinary person. By changing his appearance, his internal appearance changes over time, self-confidence and determination appear. Women feel beautiful, and masculinity appears in men. All these transformations are due to products made of genuine saffiano leather.
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